Friday, January 24, 2025

77% of Nigerian women use products to illuminate the skin-FG

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The federal government has expressed concerns since Nigeria has the highest use rates of skin lighting products worldwide, with an amazing 77% of Nigerian women who use these products.

The alarm of the dangers of skin bleaching also sounded, calling it a public health problem that requires urgent care.

Speaking in a regional awareness workshop in Libreville, Gabón, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, while citing the World Health Organization report, revealed that Nigeria has the rates of higher use of skin license products. Worldwide, with an amazing 77% of Nigerian women who use these products.

He also cited the Nigeria Opinion Institute (NOIPOLLS), a leading public opinion vote organization in Nigeria, which provided information on public opinion and consumer markets and discovered that 64% of Nigerians believe that the bleaching of the skin is highly prevalent.

“Noipolls with 97% believing that it is common among Nigerian women. Studies among university students found a prevalence between 62.4 and 64.9%. The awareness of skin bleach (SB) is high with more than 76%, and about 40% believe that one looks beautiful and fashionable.

“The high prevalence was influenced by the pressure of the classmates and the social perceptions of beauty. There is also a frequent practice of using toning (such as replacement) for money laundering and mistakenly believe that toning is not harmful or less harmful. ”

The minister also pointed out that the generalized use of products that accumulate the skin in Nigeria is driven by deeply rooted social pressures and perceptions that link the clearest skin with beauty, success and social mobility.

He, however, said that these products contain harmful substances such as mercury, hydroquinone and steroids, which pose serious health risks, including skin damage, toxicity of organs and cancer.

He said that the Nigerian government has taken proactive measures to address the problem, including the development of regulations to prohibit the use of harmful skin bleaching agents and restrict hydroquinone concentration in cosmetic products.

“The government has also launched public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of skin bleach and promote the use of safe cosmetic products.”

Salako emphasized the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address the complex issue of skin bleach, involve dermatologists, environmental epidemiologists and community health specialists.

“Despite the well -documented harmful effects, the use of skin laundering products such as creams, ointments, soap, pills and injections is common among non -white populations worldwide.

“It is particularly widespread in Africa, especially among women, and has been described by WHO as a public health problem that requires urgent actions.

“I must say that men not only use SLP, men also tend to pressure women directly or indirectly to lighten their skin and, therefore, our campaigns should not exclude men.”

He also asked African governments to revitalize the “black is beautiful” cultural movement to promote Afrokcentric appreciation and challenge generalized Eurocentric beauty standards that drive the demand for skin lighting products.

“The high prevalence of the use of products that shield the skin in many parts of Africa, including Nigeria, highlights the urgent need for specific public health campaigns, stricter regulatory application and a community defense to address the fundamental causes of this practice and promote The use of safe cosmetic products, ”he said.

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